National Wildlife Refuge System — Staffing Crisis
Issue tracker and action guide
Summary
Our National Wildlife Refuge System (NWRS) protects 856 million total acres of our nation's most important ecological areas. The Trump Administration has cut staff 25% and proposed steep budget cuts - pushing the Refuge System into deep crisis.
What's Happening
Decade of Decline: The Refuge System has been severely understaffed for over a decade. From 2011 to 2024, total staffing dropped 24%, from 3,244 to 2,348 employees. Meanwhile, visitation surged 50% from 45 million to 67 million visitors.
Collapse Under Trump: But Trump has thrust the Refuge System staffing into a deep crisis. With layoffs and buyouts, he has cut staff an additional 25% to 1,750. And more staffing cuts could be in the works.
Trump's Budget Proposal: President Trump has proposed cutting funding for the NWRS to $416 million - a 22% below current levels.
Congress Deciding: Congress is now deciding on the 2026 spending bill for NWRS. Good news — the current draft bills reject Trump's extreme cuts and fund NWRS at close to 2025 levels. But there is still a long road for these bills to pass and it is uncertain if Trump will follow what they say.
Why It Matters
Vast Conservation Network: The National Wildlife Refuge System includes 570 wildlife refuges, 38 wetland management districts, and 5 marine national monuments. It plays a critical role in protecting our nations wildlife and ecosystems.
Critical Staffing Shortfall: Today, 10% of refuges are completely unstaffed and not a single refuge has the resources it needs to meet its mission. NWRA calculates that 7,330 full time staff are needed to adequately manage the Refuge System.
Stark Comparison: Compare the Refuge System to its sibling (also understaffed) National Park Service:
Refuge System = approx. 1,750 staff. 96 million acres (land).
National Parks = approx. 18,000 staff. 84 million acres (land).
How To Help
Urgent Action: Please call your representative and senators about the 2026 budget. Urge them to maintain funding for the National Wildlife Refuge System at 2025 levels.
Spread the Word: We need to spread the word about the importance of NWRS funding and staffing. Use this guide and the links provided to inform yourself. Use your voice and creativity to inform others.
Needs Support: National Wildlife Refuge Association is fighting a very urgent battle for NWRS funding. Please follow them on social media and support them anyway you can.
